Free 1 Lost Under a Ladder by Linda O. Johnston

I finally got a break in traffic and crossed the street.
    Had those two phone calls been the sign I’d wished for yesterday on a fake falling star? I didn’t know, but if I’d truly been superstitious I could interpret them that way.
    Unlike my conversation with Tarzal and Preston.
    When I entered the Lucky Dog, both clerks were busy with customers. Pluckie’s leash was in Millie’s hand. When she saw me, she waved, smiled, and let go. My dog dashed over and jumped up to put her front paws onto my legs, her whole body wiggling like her tail as if she hadn’t seen me in weeks. “It’s okay, girl.” I bent and grinned as she licked my face. When I stood up, the loop of her leash was in my hand.
    A young couple with a Shetland sheepdog on a leash held two collars from a rack, apparently weighing which to buy. Pluckie and I headed toward them, but a man in a bright red knit shirt who’d been near the cash register counter got there first. “Can I help you?” he asked.
    Was he another employee? I watched him as he pointed out the stamped-on decorations on the collars, explaining that the depicted head of the greyhound with a white spot on it was said to be lucky. So, on the other one, was the horseshoe. “Either can ensure your little angel will have good luck.” He bent to pat the dog on the head.
    “Let’s get both, honey,” said the woman. The man reached into his pocket for his wallet.
    The guy who’d waited on them motioned for Jeri to come to the register. She complied and ran the credit card.
    After the people and their Sheltie left, Pluckie and I hurried to where Jeri stood talking to the man. She looked frazzled.
    I notice that the man’s shirt had a logo on it that said “Destiny’s Luckiest Tours.” “Are you another employee?” I asked.
    “Well, no. Not yet. But—”
    “Rory, this is Arlen Jallopia, Martha’s nephew. He heard about her illness and came here to … help.”
    I noticed the hesitation and wondered how unhelpful Arlen migh t really be. He appeared in his mid-twenties, with spiky dark brown hair, a lopsided smile, and a face that vaguely resembled a sitcom star whose name I couldn’t recall.
    “That’s nice of you.” I was unsure of what else to say until I settled on, “Have you gone to the hospital to see your aunt?”
    “Yeah, before. I’m a local tour guide and had to wait till I was between tours, like now. I told her I’d be glad to take some vacation days and manage the store for her, but she said she already had someone lined up. You?” His expression suggested doubts that I could even count to ten, let alone run a store.
    Considering his attitude and the fact that his own aunt hadn’t thought of him first to help her out, I wondered the same about him.
    “Yes,” I said. “That’s me.”
    From the corner of my eye I noticed that Jeri’s face had gone from seriously concerned to a huge grin. “Did your aunt tell you about Rory’s background?” she said to Arlen. “She’s the assistant manager of one of the best MegaPets in Los Angeles, near Beverly Hills. She’s got lots of knowledge and skill to run a pet supplies store.” Unlike you seemed to be her silent message.
    “Yes,” I said again. “I’m not sure how long Martha will need me here, but I’ve worked things out so I can stay and manage the store in her absence.”
    “Really? Glad to hear that,” said Millie, who’d joined us.
    “I’m really glad, too, Rory,” Jeri said.
    The only one who appeared less than pleased was Arlen. I considered inviting him to stop in anytime to make sure things looked okay, but that was up to his aunt. Besides, I didn’t really want him scrutinizing me.
    “Well, I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again, Rory. I’ll be visiting my aunt upstairs, too, once she’s back.” The glare in his dark eyes suggested he’d see me a lot more than I wanted.
    “Fine,” I said untruthfully. “Oh, where do your tours go? Maybe we can work things out so you can